Jury finds Great Falls man guilty of death threats against cop

A man charged with making death threats against a Great Falls Police Officer and his family was convicted of three charges Monday after a one-day trial.

The Cascade County Attorney’s Office reports that Gale Spottedbear was found guilty of threats and other improper influence in an official matter, a felony, and two misdemeanors: criminal trespassing and disorderly conduct.

Deputy County Attorney Amanda Lofink said the incident started as disturbance at the Great Falls Wal-Mart. She stated that Spottedbear was arrested for disorderly conduct and criminal trespassing after being asked to leave and causing a scene, using profanity in front of children and patrons.

Great Falls Police Officer Mike Walker reported that Spottedbear grew agitated in the police car on the way to the Cascade County Detention Center. He said upon learning of the charges he faced, the defendant started screaming about an incident between the two back in 2010. Spottedbear reportedly assaulted Walker during that incident.

That’s when, Lofink said, he threatened to kill Walker, Walker’s wife and his whole family. Spottedbear reportedly referred to Walker’s wife, who was pregnant at the time, as “fat,” claiming he’d seen the couple in public near their home.

The officer was the only witness to testify at the trial. Lofink said the jury deliberated Monday afternoon for less than two hours, adding that she was very happy with outcome.

“Officers have a right to be protected and feel safe,” she explained. “They protect us, so we need to stand up and protect them and their families.”

Spottedbear is classified as a persistent felony offender and faces up to 100 years in prison. His sentencing hearing was set for Jan. 7.